My Grandparents (John & Elizabeth McKee) lived in a house along the lane from the bottom of the drive up to the McNeilly farm at Taylorstown Hill.
Every Summer school holiday we stayed for the full 6 weeks, and to me, as a small boy, it was the greatest time. I counted the weeks and days until we arrived' home' (for I was born in Ballymena myself) and those times were well worth the wait. Mr.McNeilly (John Snr.) and his wife, Lena allowed me to spend many days on the farm doing all the big, important jobs like mixing the pig meal or cleaning out the byer. I got to drive a tractor, ride on the back of a cow and work in the fields with 3 great guys: James, John & William. They, of course, had the' real' work to do, but always found the time to accomodate me and make me feel that my little contribution was important. I was delighted to visit James and Muriel a few years ago to see if he remembered me from almost 50 years past. Not only did he remember me but welcomed me and my wife into his home. I am deeply saddened by the news of his passing and I shall never forget the kindness and generosity afforded me by himself and his family all those years ago.
God Bless James.
Wednesday 21 February 2018
John Pogue & family.